Improving Access to Healthcare in South Africa through the National Health Insurance Scheme: A Hit or a Miss?

Abstract

The South African healthcare system is plagued by inequalities at various levels. The National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill was recently passed by the National Assembly and has revived debate on whether the NHI can effectively bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in accessing healthcare services. This paper explores the effectiveness of the NHI as a healthcare system reform aimed at bridging the gap between the public and private sectors of South Africa’s two-tiered healthcare system. To assist policymakers in its effective implementation, the paper explores the constitutional obligations regarding the provision of healthcare services and offers an analysis of whether the NHI Bill meets constitutional muster. In its conclusion, the paper also suggests solutions to address the Bill’s shortcomings by including practical steps that can be taken to ensure that the vision of universal health coverage is achieved.